Arsenal looking to spend some of their £70 Million budget on Spanish midfielder

onJune 18, 2013

Arsene Wenger is said to have a massive £70 million at hand for summer transfers and the Gunners boss is reportedly eyeing up a move for Real Sociedad midfielder Asier Illarramendi. The 23 year-old has had an exceptional season with Sociedad, even drawing attention from Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid this summer.

The midfielder is an academy product of Sociedad and played an integral role in the team last season as Sociedad claimed a Champions League spot with a fourth place finish. Illarramendi is currently on duty at the Under-21 European Championships, where the Spain youth side are slated to play their Italian counterparts in the finals of the competition.

The Daily Mail revealed that Illarramendi is valued at £10 million, although his value is certain to appreciate if he returns victorious from the Under-21 Euro, with Barca and Real Madrid also likely to step up their pursuit of the enforcer.

Illarramendi plays in a defensive midfield role and Arsenal have been short of cover in that area, having sold Alex Song to Barcelona twelve months ago without having a replacement in place. The Gunners have purchased Santi Cazorla, Mikel Arteta and Nacho Monreal in recent years and Illarramendi could be the latest Spaniard to move to the North London club, if Wenger can beat the competition to land this promising midfield star.